A man has been jailed for life after plying a woman with alcohol and drugs before raping her. Peter Phillips, 61, of Madeira Place, Brighton, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court to life imprisonment with a minimum term of nine years and six months.
The court heard that Phillips met the woman in Brighton last year and groomed her with money and drugs. He later invited her to a festival, where he encouraged her to drink and take drugs. Afterwards, he took her to a hotel and carried out a “violent and sustained” sexual assault and rape.
Predatory lifestyle
A pre-sentence report read by His Honour Judge Stephen Mooney stated: “It is my assessment that Mr Phillips leads a predatory and manipulative lifestyle whereby he goes to great lengths to place himself in situations where he has the opportunity to offend against vulnerable females.”
The judge added: “I am satisfied that a life sentence should be imposed and there is nothing that could lead me to conclude that to impose a life sentence would be in any way unjust.”
Police appeal
Following Phillips' guilty plea, Sussex Police urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Phillips or wants to report any other sexual offence to contact them by calling 101. Detective constable Ryan Dale said: “Phillips is a highly dangerous and calculated sexual predator who deliberately targeted and exploited a vulnerable woman.”
He added: “While he has been brought to justice, we are keen to hear from anyone who may also have been affected by his behaviour. We recognise how difficult it can be to report sexual offences but if you believe you may have been a victim of Peter Phillips please come forward. You will be listened to, supported, and your report will be taken seriously.”
